For over a century, the Statue of Liberty's torch has remained off-limits to the public, shrouded in mystery and inaccessible.
However, recent advancements in technology have allowed people to catch a glimpse of this iconic symbol from above.
The closure of the torch to the public originated historical events and structural considerations.
The National Park Service's website explains that the torch can be accessed through a ladder from the Statue's arm
During the statue's initial construction, there was a misalignment between the arm and shoulder. Therefore, when the statue underwent restoration in 1984, repairs were carried out to address this issue.
As part of the 1986 Centennial celebration, the original gilded torch design was also recreated.
However, despite these efforts, the arm was still a narrow space, making it difficult to climb the ladder.
Additionally, the arm suffered damage during the "Black Tom" explosion on July 30, 1916. German spies set off fires and explosions in New York Harbor, intending to destroy ammunition bound for World War I allies.
The explosion caused significant damage, including to the arm holding the torch. Shrapnel even struck the Statue of Liberty's skirt.
As a result, the arm and torch were deemed too dangerous for public access and have remained closed since 1916.
Fortunately, modern technology now provides alternative ways to see the top of the Statue of Liberty rather than the ladder on the arm.
Currently, just only members of the National Park Service, known as the "Keepers of the Flame," are allowed up to the torch.
However, cameras and live-streaming technology can also offer a better view for everyone else. Images and live footage from cameras positioned on the statue provide a unique perspective of the torch.
People can access some websites like EarthCam to experience the Statue of Liberty's torch, which has been closed off to the public for over 100 years, but recently, people have been able to catch a glimpse of what it looks like.
